Shepherd Barn Dendrochronology Grant July 25 2019.docx/
Historic Northampton
46 Bridge Street Northampton, Massachusetts 01060 413.584.6011
www.historicnorthampton.org info@historicnorthampton.org
July 25, 2019
Sarah LaValley, Community Preservation Committee
Department of Planning & Sustainability
City of Northampton
210 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Dear Ms. LaValley & Members of the Community Preservation Committee,
We’re so pleased to submit our final report for our small grant for the Shepherd Barn Dendrochronology project ($2,300—June 28, 2016). Your patience and flexibility allowed us to use
of the remaining funds to complete two additional worthwhile projects on the Shepherd Barn that enhance its preservation.
In summary, using these funds, Historic Northampton accomplished three important tasks:
Using dendrochronology techniques, historian Bill Flynt determined that the Shepherd Barn was built ~1805. Portions of the barn have, of course, been replaced since then, but the main
support posts that were analyzed all date to this narrow time period. Flynt subsequently gave a public lecture (50 attendees) at Historic Northampton and described his work here at
Historic Northampton as well as at other historic homes in and around the northeast. Cost: $1,300. (Report attached)
Jim Flannery, owner of Peak Performance Roofing, agreed to make critical roof repairs to the barn and replace the rotted-out gutters. He re-used gutters in good condition that had been
removed from the Parsons House. This work was estimated to cost $1,000 and use the balance of the grant funds. In the end, Flannery donated his time.
Last fall, Master Timber Framer Alicia Spence made several important repairs that eliminated dry rot, helped to prevent animals from entering the barn and causing damage (photos are
included in the attached pdf). She used white oak posts from western Massachusetts and relied on traditional timber framing techniques to repair the barn in a manner consistent with
historic preservation and restoration.
With this information and the critical restoration and stabilization work attended to, we’re now able to take the next steps in terms of the barn’s future uses and renovations.
On behalf of all of us on the board and staff, thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
Laurie Sanders
Co-director